George Emerson Quaile

LAKEVILLE — George Emerson Quaile, 81, died in Savannah, Ga., on May 10, 2009. He was born Jan. 12, 1928, in Lakeville, the first child and only son of Charlotte (Milmine) and Emerson Blauvelt Quaile.

George is survived by his wife of 56 years, Will Theus Quaile.

His life ended after a bout with cancer and a failed heart.

George grew up in Lakeville. He graduated from Salisbury School, a school founded by his grandfather and where his father was headmaster. He entered Bowdoin College at 16. After his first semester, the dean told him to join the Navy and learn to behave. So, at 17 he joined the Navy, went to the Pacific, ended World War II, was readmitted to Bowdoin, and graduated. Although swearing to never board another rocking ship, he sailed across the Pacific again to the Korean War, where he served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Forestry at the University of Michigan, and returned home to practice forestry with his brother-in-law, George Kiefer.

After a few years, he joined West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company, and at 40 he consulted for a paper mill in Maine. Then Atlantic Creosote Company hired him and moved him to Savannah. George later started a company to dredge industrial settlement ponds. His last venture was making teak outdoor furniture in the QuaileLine.

He was active in Episcopal churches, serving on vestries and as Sunday school teacher, lay reader and Eucharistic minister. He was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Savannah for 40 years. He supervised homeless shelters in Savannah, and tutored math and reading to all ages. George and his wife were enthusiastic cruisers of the southeast coast in their boat, named Exodus.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Eleanor Legg of Darien, Ga.; his children, Emerson B. Quaile and his wife, Robin, Charlotte M. Quaile and Anne T. Quaile and his “adopted daughterâ€� Eleanor Titus, all of Savannah, and Charlton T. Quaile and his wife, Wendy, of Pittsboro, N.C.; his grandchildren,  Hawkins C. Gay, Rebecca P. Gay, J. Usher Gay, Susanna Q. Cover and her husband Michael, Samuel A. Quaile, Joseph D. Quaile, Mary R. Quaile and Grace A. Quaile; and his devoted cousin, Charles E. Milmine.

He was predeceasd by two sisters, Mary Louise Buyce and Elizabeth Clement.

Remembrances may be sent to Hospice Savannah, Royce Learning Center or St. Thomas Episcopal Church, all in Savannah.

Arrangements are under the care of Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors in Savannah.
 

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